If 50% battery level is recommended for long term storage, how much are AA/AAA battery charged to?

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If 50% battery level is recommended for long term storage, how much are AA/AAA battery charged to?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

That is a recommendation for Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Other batteries such as non-rechargeable nickel–cadmium and alkaline batteries are sold with a full charge, but have a limited shelf-life.

AA/AAA is a size/voltage format and can use a variety of chemistries, rechargeable or not. You are probably thinking of the common non-rechargeable types though.

Anonymous 0 Comments

For long-term storage, it is generally recommended to store batteries at a 50% charge level. This is because storing batteries at a full charge level can lead to a condition called “memory effect,” where the battery loses its ability to hold a full charge over time. Storing batteries at a low charge level can also cause them to lose their charge faster.

For alkaline batteries, like AA and AAA, it is common to store them in a cool and dry place, between 40-50% charge level. It’s also important to note that alkaline batteries have a shelf life of 5-10 years and after that, they will lose their charge capacity.

When it comes to rechargeable batteries, like nickel-cadmium (NiCad) or nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) the recommended storage is also at 50% charge level. For those batteries, it’s important to store them in a cool and dry place, as high temperatures can cause the battery to degrade faster.

Anonymous 0 Comments

50% is just a recommendation for lithium ion rechargeable batteries. It’s a balance between not storing it with high state of charge, which will reduce its shelf life, and have some buffer against self discharge all the way below safety levels. If you occasionally take them out for maintenance, you can leave them at 20-30%.

For AA and AAA batteries, the concept does not exist. Those are usually non-rechargeable batteries. They were never charged and are simply manufactured using active chemicals that produces charge. They are just consumables that will expire if stored unused. Discard them if they are past shelf life.